I was so surprised to see this rainbow at sunset Tuesday afternoon. Rainbows at dawn seem to happen frequently, but I think this was my first time seeing one as the sun went down.
That rainbow has been on my mind all week. Especially after a very close call Wednesday night with my severely depressed sister.
To anyone reading this who struggles with depression, I beg of you: Ask for help.
To anyone reading who loves someone with depression: I know how that feels.
To everyone: Hold on to your rainbows, even when darkness descends. There is so much beauty in life.
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
Beautiful picture
What a beautiful rainbow. I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. I hope she is getting the help she needs. There are so many medications that could help her. Depression and anxiety are on both sides of my family and it didn’t skip over me. I’m glad you can be there for your sister.
I’m sorry you are dealing with depression and anxiety issues also. It’s so hard. My sister has tried several medications, but I know there are still many to try…
Aww Maryanne, hugs, Hope she’s doing better. my MIL has suffered for years with manic depression, it’s so so hard on the family members that love them so much. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Isra.
Beautiful picture! I am so sorry for the pain your sister and your family are enduring.
Thanks for the reminder and wishing your sister feels better soon.x
Thank you, Isil.
I have struggled with depression since I was a child. It has been up and down my whole life, becoming worse again this year. I don’t write about it on my blog, though I often wonder if I should, knowing that it might touch someone else out there in a small way. That is what this post did for me. Thank you. Asking for help can be hard. It sounds like your sister has someone who cares a lot about her.
Thank you for your comment, Krista. I’m sorry to hear that this year has been hard on you. I have two sisters with childhood onset depression. It is so tough. One is really struggling; the other one is doing quite well and that gives me hope. I hope things get better for you soon.
Thank you for the post! just what I needed!
Thanks, Esther.
What a thoughtful post. I am sure it helped more people than you realize. All the best to you and your family.
Thank you, Winnie.
Yes, beautiful post.
This is a hugely important reminder to take the words of a depressed person very seriously. Unfortunately my family has recently learned this the hard way and lost a family friend.
so sorry, MaryAnne, feel better MaryAnne’s sister : )
I’m so sorry to hear that, Ann.
Beautiful post MaryAnne. Sending hugs and hoping for lots more rainbows for both you and your sister.
Thank you.
I can fell with you, MA. Thank you for your thoughts and for the hope. Fortunately it’s in the past for me and it surely didn’t hit me as closely as for you (not having been with a sister ofr me). I will pray for you and her. Perhaps Thanksgiving is another source of hope – to see all that there IS to be thankful for, even when “darkness descends”. Lots of love. T
Thank you, Tara. I’m so glad it’s in the past for you. Thanksgiving is a nice reminder that there is so much to be grateful for – including the fact that she is still here, if struggling a great deal.
I have struggled in this area for a long time. If I didn’t have my family around, I have no idea what I would do.
I pray that everything with your sister works out soon.
Take care.
Thank you so much, Dominique. I’m sorry that you struggle with this, too, and am very glad that you have your family to support you.
I appreciate this post so much Maryanne! I also have a sister who struggles with depression. It’s been a tough week here also! I was just beginning to wonder if there was anyone else who might understand how hard it is deal with a family member who suffers… thank you!
Thank you for your comment, Sloane. It can be a lonely and sad place to be. I’m so glad you appreciated the post, and maybe it will, in some small way, increase awareness.
So sorry about your sister. Hugs, I hope she feels better soon.
Thank you, Natalie.
Such a touching post.. So sorry that your family is going through this. I hope she can find some healing, and a therapist that fits her needs!
Thank you, Becky.
I love the symbol that rainbows hold. Praying for your sister…
Thank you, Jen.
I hope everything is okay. My fifteen year old struggles every day and as a mom I often feel lost, so I understand. Thinking of you and your family.
Thanks, Christy. If you ever want to talk, this has been a part of my life for years now. I actually have two sisters with depression – one is, thankfully, doing pretty well right now.
Thank you for sharing your story and reaching out to those who may be suffering silently.
Thank you, Rebekah. I hope it raises awareness for someone.
Great advice especially during this time of year that can make people feel more blue! I love the rainbow but are you always up at dawn?! New baby or are you an early bird?
This was taken at sunset, surprisingly. Only time I’ve ever seen a rainbow at sunset!
Love to you maryanne and best wishes to your sister. I hope she gets some sunshine too.
Thank you, Cathy.
Beautifully said. Hugs to you all!
Perfectly written! I have several family members who struggle with depression…it’s tough!
It is – tough and sad. {hugs}
Thank you for posting this. It’s a good reminder. HUGS!
Thanks, Ticia.